Employees in York Region Transit's southwest district have rejected a tentative contract settlement, meaning they may go on strike if a new deal isn't reached this weekend.

The workers - 214 bus drivers and mechanics - voted against a settlement that was reached last Sunday during last-minute talks between Veolia Transportation and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113, the union announced in a statement Wednesday night.

"We are a democratic union and the members have spoken," ATU Local 113 president Bob Kinnear said in the statement. "Veolia is now reaping the consequences of their poor treatment of their employees."

This means the drivers and mechanics will go on strike Monday morning if a new settlement isn't reached before Sunday at midnight.

In a statement, Veolia Transportation says it is surprised and disappointed the settlement was rejected after it received a "unanimous recommendation" by the ATU.

A strike would affect 24 transit routes in York Region Transit's southwest division. The routes are primarily in Vaughan, but some extend into Markham, Richmond Hill, Aurora and King Township.

About 28,000 people use these routes every weekday. Riders are being urged to make alternative arrangements if talks fail.

ATU says it will not be calling an immediate strike and will return to the bargaining table to press for improvements in Veolia's offer.

"To get a settlement (Veolia) must not only improve their offer but demonstrate a sincere willingness to finally show respect for the people who provide a valuable service to York Region," Kinnear says.

He says the union is willing to meet "around the clock" to reach a settlement as long as Veolia is willing to bargain in good faith.

"We hope that does not happen but it takes two to reach an agreement," Kinnear says.

Employees have been in a strike position since January, but negotiations between the union and Veolia have continued.

YRT/Viva contracts the operation of its public transit services to the private sector and the TTC. Veolia is one of four private contractors to provide bus and rapid transit operations and maintenance contracts.